Los Angeles, CA DUI Lawyer

Being arrested for a first DUI in Los Angeles can feel like your entire world has been turned upside down. The fear, uncertainty, and confusion that come with this experience are overwhelming, and it’s natural to feel lost about what to do next.

You may be worried about your license, your job, your reputation, and even your freedom.

As a seasoned Los Angeles DUI lawyer, I want you to know that you’re not alone in this. I have helped many first-time offenders in Los Angeles County courts, and I understand how critical it is to take immediate, informed action.

If you’re facing a DUI charge in Los Angeles, call 1-888-839-4384 or use our online contact form for a free consultation with an experienced California DUI lawyer today!

What is a DUI in Los Angeles?

A DUI in Los Angeles refers to the criminal offense of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. Under California Vehicle Code § 23152, you can be charged with DUI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or if an officer believes your ability to operate a vehicle was impaired, even at a lower BAC.

For drivers under 21, the legal limit is much stricter at 0.01%, and for commercial drivers, it’s 0.04%.

In Los Angeles, DUI cases are taken seriously by prosecutors and judges, especially because of the city’s high traffic density and the risks impaired driving poses to public safety. A first DUI in Los Angeles is usually filed as a misdemeanor, but this criminal charge still carries penalties such as fines, probation, license suspension, DUI school, and possible jail time.

Aggravating factors like refusing a chemical test, having a very high BAC, or causing an accident can increase the severity of the charges and penalties.

Because California DUI laws are strictly enforced in Los Angeles County, having a knowledgeable Los Angeles DUI attorney is critical.

A local lawyer understands how the courts and DMV hearings work, and can help you challenge evidence, explore plea options, or even fight for dismissal when possible.

DUI Penalties in Los Angeles

If you are convicted of a first DUI in Los Angeles, the penalties can be severe, and they only increase with subsequent offenses. While every case is different, California law sets out sentencing ranges that judges in Los Angeles courts must follow.

Below is a summary of the typical penalties for first and repeat DUI convictions in Los Angeles County:

Offense	Fines & Fees	Jail Time	Driver’s License Suspension	DUI School	Probation
First DUI	$390 – $1,000 (plus court assessments that can raise costs to over $2,000)	Up to 6 months	6 months (possible restricted license)	3–9 months	3–5 years informal probation
Second DUI	$390 – $1,000	96 hours to 1 year	2 years (restricted license may be available)	18–30 months	3–5 years informal probation
Third DUI	$390 – $1,000	120 days to 1 year	3 years	30 months	3–5 years informal probation
Fourth DUI (Felony)	$390 – $1,000	180 days to 3 years in state prison	4 years (possible permanent revocation)	30 months	3–5 years formal probation
Aggravated DUI (high BAC .15+, accident, minor in vehicle, refusal, etc.)	Higher fines possible	Enhanced jail or prison time	Longer suspension or revocation	Longer DUI programs	Harsher probation terms

 

Judges in Los Angeles have discretion within these ranges, and aggravating factors can push penalties toward the maximum. On the other hand, a skilled Los Angeles DUI lawyer may be able to negotiate reduced penalties, secure alternative sentencing such as community service, or even challenge the evidence to have charges dismissed.

In Los Angeles courts, aggravating factors such as refusing a chemical test, driving with a BAC of 0.15% or higher, causing an accident, or having a child in the car at the time of arrest can significantly increase your penalties. Judges often impose steeper fines, longer DUI program requirements, and additional county jail time in these cases.

Having a Los Angeles DUI attorney who understands how local prosecutors handle these enhancements is critical to protecting your future and reducing the impact of these harsher penalties.

Why Hiring a Local Los Angeles DUI Attorney Matters

When you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles, one of the most important decisions you can make is who will represent you. While you technically have the right to represent yourself or rely on an overburdened public defender, these are risky options.

DUI law is complex, and the Los Angeles court system is one of the busiest in the nation. Prosecutors are aggressive, and judges expect defendants to be properly prepared.

A local Los Angeles DUI lawyer brings several advantages:

• Knowledge of local courts and judges: Los Angeles County Superior Court has multiple courthouses, including Metro, Van Nuys, Compton, Inglewood, and more. Each has its own procedures, and judges often have their own preferences. A local criminal defense attorney will know how to navigate these nuances.
• Experience with the DMV process: After a DUI arrest, you only have ten days to request a DMV hearing to challenge your license suspension. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can represent you in this hearing and often save your driving privileges.
• Strategies tailored to first-time offenders: Courts sometimes offer alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or reduced charges, for those facing their first DUI in Los Angeles. A skilled attorney will know how to pursue these opportunities.
• Defense against flawed evidence: Breathalyzer machines, field sobriety tests, and even officer reports are not infallible. Your attorney can identify errors or inconsistencies that may lead to reduced charges or even dismissal.

I’ve spent years working in the Los Angeles DUI courts, and I’ve seen how cases turn on preparation and local knowledge. Having a Los Angeles DUI attorney in your corner means you don’t have to face this system on your own.

Steps to Take After Your First DUI Arrest in Los Angeles

Once you’ve secured legal representation, you and your lawyer can begin building a DUI defense. Here are some of the steps I guide my clients through:

1. Requesting a DMV hearing immediately: You have only ten calendar days from the date of your arrest to challenge your license suspension. Missing this deadline means automatic suspension.
2. Reviewing the police report: I will carefully analyze the police officer’s report for errors, omissions, or overstatements. If your rights were violated during the stop, this can be grounds for challenging the charges.
3. Examining chemical test results: Breath and blood tests must follow strict protocols. Calibration errors, mishandling of samples, or medical conditions can all affect the accuracy of results.
4. Identifying potential defenses: These might include unlawful traffic stops, lack of probable cause, or unreliable field sobriety test results.
5. Exploring plea options: For a first DUI in Los Angeles, prosecutors may be willing to negotiate reduced charges, such as a “wet reckless.” This can have far fewer long-term consequences than a DUI conviction.
6. Preparing for trial if necessary: While many cases are resolved before trial, I prepare every case as if it’s going before a judge and jury. That preparation is often what leads to the best plea offers.

Protecting Your Future After a First DUI in Los Angeles

Facing a DUI charge is undoubtedly stressful, but it’s important to remember that a DUI charge is not a DUI conviction! With the right Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer on your side, you can fight to protect your license, your criminal record, and your reputation.

I’ve guided countless clients through their first DUI in Los Angeles, and I’ve seen how strategic defense and aggressive advocacy can change the outcome. Whether it’s negotiating reduced penalties, securing a dismissal, or protecting driving privileges, my goal is always to minimize the impact on your life.

Talk To An Experienced DUI Attorney in Los Angeles, CA Today

If you’ve been arrested for a first DUI in Los Angeles, don’t wait. The clock is already ticking on critical deadlines, including your DMV hearing. Reach out to a trusted Los Angeles DUI attorney as soon as possible so you can begin defending your future today.

Call 1-888-839-4384 for a free consultation with a top rated DUI defense attorney in Los Angeles, California now!